A pop concert for the young carers

More than 200 people went to the Black Horse Inn, on Saturday night, with the gig raising £650 for Action for Children, which will go towards a three-day residential stay in the Peak District for a group of young carers.

It was organised by acoustic duo Better Days Ahead, made up of 15-year-olds Paige Seabridge, from Somercotes, and Jake Mayhew, from Riddings.

Paige said: “I didn’t know there are so many people my age, and even younger, who take care of their parents or other relatives. I can’t imagine what life must be like for them – I think they are very brave, so I’m really pleased to be supporting them.”

Paige’s mum Suzy said: “It was an amazing night and everyone is still raving about it! Paige’s sister Ebony, who is 13, sat all night selling tickets at the door instead of joining in the fun. I can’t wait to do it all over again and plan to do a festival weekend next year with stalls and outdoor activities as well as music and overnight camping.”

Action for Children’s Sally Elliott, who is manager of Derbyshire and Derby City Young Carers, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to everyone involved in this concert for their amazing support. The money raised will make a huge difference to the young carers we help, who often spend long hours caring for relatives when they should be doing homework, going out with friends and having fun, and simply being young. A fun weekend away will give a group of very extraordinary people some very important time out and I can’t thank everybody involved enough, especially Paige, Jake and Suzy.”